The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife reported Friday that hunters killed 21,365 deer, an increase from 18,839 the previous year.

Officials said the larger numbers provide further evidence that the state's deer herd is recovering following harsh winters in 2008 and 2009 that thinned the herd. As recently as six years ago, the Maine deer harvest approached 30,000 animals a year.

Wildlife officials say the current winter hasn't significantly stressed the deer population, and that the herd is expected to continue to grow.

A Justice Department civil rights investigation has concluded that the Ferguson Police Department and the city's municipal court engaged in a "pattern and practice" of discrimination against African-Americans, according to a U.S. law enforcement official.